Hope Kept Alive by Holiness and Deadened by Corruption

"Men are doubtless to blame for being in a dead, carnal frame; but when they are in such a frame, and have no sensible experience of the exercises of grace, but on the contrary, are much under the prevalence of lusts and an unchristian spirit, they are not to blame for doubting their state. It is as impossible, in the nature of things, that a holy and Christian hope be kept alive, in its clearness and strength, in such circumstances, as it is to keep the light in the room, when the candle is put out; or to maintain the bright sunshine in the air, when the sun is gone down. Distant experiences, when darkened by present prevailing lust and corruption, never keep alive a gracious confidence and assurance; but that sickens and decays upon it, as necessarily as a little child by repeated blows on the head with a hammer."

- Jonathan Edwards - Religious Affections, pt. 2, sect. 11

Acrostic Hope

Again I look unto that Word
Beholding light in Your decrees
Comfort I find, for I have heard
Delightful promises like these:

Entrust your way unto the Lord
Fret nor fear, for He is good
Great things for those who trust His word
He does as mere men never could.

I have no helper, Lord, but You.
Joy lights my soul because You shall
Keep every promise. You are true -
Love those weak ones who trust You well.

My cup of hope does overflow
Not doubting once your promise dear
Oh, can I worry when I know
Pure grace for all my want is here.

Quiet my heart, O Mighty One
Rejoice my soul with mercy new
Sustain my hope when day is done -
That what I cannot, You can do.

Until I see full well that not
Vain, foolish were my hopes in you.
When all is past and tears forgot
Your promise will be proven true.

- Alyssa Colby 2008